Smugmug and Flickr

[BonzoDog]

I have put up some pictures in both Smugmug and Flickr.
I did this beacuse I was recently looking for some particular shots to illustrate an article and I hadn't got anything. It was a surprise on searching Flickr and Smugmug that neither had anything that suited my need.
Opportunity thought I. Would I be able to put some of my pictures up there and generate some side income to fund my hobby?
Well, after a few days there has been no traffic over them. They are average pictures but it surprised me that there had not even been a viewing. Consequently I looked at the all time favourites on Smigmug and they tend to be high quality shots in particular topics such as beautiful night time shots. It gave me some ideas but I would be interested in knowing other people's experience in this area.
Does paying for a pro subscription help you in any way except for organising photo shoots that you have done for clients (I don't do this)?
Are there any tricks to marketing your material and subsequently selling it?
Does anybody make enough to enable them to buy lenses and fund trips?

[genevh]

I'm on smugmug and have a pro subscription, but have only been on it since the first part of January. I did it because I am interested in doing some photography work in my area and am hoping to use it as a tool to sell. So far I have not sold anything, but haven't really expected to yet as I have not started marketing myself and most of what is on my site at this time is personal stuff. I am getting some hits and recently conversed with another photographer in Arizona comparing the subjects of some of our pictures. I hadn't expected that, but it goes to show that you can be seen in all kinds of places. I don't know how many from this forum have checked my stuff as I've only received one comment so far and that was in another thread. But then, I am not nearly as artistically inclined as most people that hang out here are. :(